Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dedicated his Man of the Year award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the former Rivers governor as the man who “discovered” him and gave him political visibility.

Receiving the honour at the New Telegraph Award and Dinner Night in Lagos, Fubara used the platform to reflect on the bruising political crisis that has gripped Rivers State and his own controversial style of response, which many critics have labelled as weakness.

He told the audience that his choice to appear subdued in the face of intense political pressure was deliberate and rooted in a desire to preserve peace and stability in the state and the country.

“Some of these pains, some persons describe them as weakness, while others say it as being strong, but I choose for a lot of reasons to be weak. Weak, because I want peace. Weak, because we need to survive. Weak, because I need to also protect those things that are dear, not just to me, but to our dear nation,” Fubara said, adding that “weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”

The governor praised the people of Rivers State for what he called their “quietness” and “maturity” during months of political turmoil that saw a split in the state House of Assembly, impeachment threats, and a prolonged standoff between his camp and that of Wike.

In a move likely to reignite debate over the true state of their relationship, Fubara publicly extended an olive branch to his predecessor, crediting Wike with his rise to prominence.

“I also dedicate this award to somebody who also discovered me, not minding the situation, the Honourable Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike. He discovered me, and it is the discovery that gave me this loudness,” he declared.

The gesture comes amid signs of a fragile thaw between both men, following interventions by President Bola Tinubu aimed at restoring political stability in Rivers State. Wike has recently spoken of his optimism about the reconciliation process, while Fubara has publicly referred to him as “My Oga” during project inspections, acknowledging his role in conceiving key infrastructure initiatives such as the Port Harcourt Ring Road.

Fubara’s latest remarks suggest he is seeking to balance loyalty to his political roots with the demands of governing a deeply divided state, framing restraint not as surrender, but as a strategic choice for peace and survival.